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That guy was nuts.
“Owen, are you going to move?” Chloe pushed at him lightly, trying to get past him.
He turned his head briefly to look down at her. “No.”
She let out a disgruntled noise. “Fine, I’ll go out the other side.”
“You’ll stay where you are until it’s safe.”
“It’s not safe? What’s going on?” she asked, sounding alarmed.
Well, it likely was. But he was feeling very protective right now. The fact that Judd and Caleb were glaring at each other was enough to have him on edge.
“You cannot talk to a guest like that.” Caleb shook his head. “You know, I put up with a lot and I don’t say anything because you’re good at your job. But if you’re rude to a guest, then we’re going to have a problem.”
Chloe gasped and he glanced down again to find her peering around him, looking up at Caleb in shock.
“I’m not being rude to her,” Judd snarled back. “Don’t insult me. I know how to treat a guest.”
“Do you? Because this isn’t how you do it. All of you step aside. I’ll escort Ms. Reed to her suite.”
“Yeah, that’s not happening,” Judd said.
Even Hux was scowling. Owen didn’t bother getting involved. His job was to protect their girl.
Who was sliding across the seat.
“Get back here, baby girl,” he commanded, turning to frown at her.
Damn. The brat was surprisingly fast considering what she’d been through. She was out the other door before he could grab her.
She walked around the back of the car and he moved to intercept her. “What are you doing?”
“Caleb!” she called out.
If she asked the other man to help her to her suite, then he wasn’t going to be able to hold the crazy back.
“Yes? Are you all right, Ms. Reed?” Caleb asked.
Chloe smiled at him. But it wasn’t her real smile. It was the one she gave everyone.
Except for him and his brothers.
They got her real smiles. That eased something inside him.
“Please, call me Chloe.” She gazed up at him.
Owen only had so much patience, though. She shouldn’t be looking at anyone else. Not even Caleb, who wasn’t really a threat since he was in love with Vivi.
Owen moved in front of her again. She gave him an exasperated look. “Move.”
He raised his eyebrows at her tone. Did she really think she got to boss him around?
“Owen, I’m trying to fix this.”
Fix what?
She gave him an exasperated look, then sidestepped him so she could see Caleb again. Owen leaned in toward her to whisper in her ear.
“Don’t look at him.”
He made sure to put plenty of Dom in his voice, certain she’d obey.
The brat rolled her eyes.
Oh. She needed a spanking. He’d never punished Ester. Hadn’t wanted to as she hadn’t really been his.
But this girl was going over his knee sometime soon.
“Caleb, I think there’s been a misunderstanding,” she said smoothly. “Judd and the others have been taking very good care of me and I’m appreciative. Hux and Judd saved me today.”
Owen frowned and half-turned so he could see Caleb..
“Yes, I know. And they did well to keep you safe,” Caleb allowed. “Have they been looking after you the rest of the time? You can be honest.”
“The honest truth is that I’ve never felt this well taken care of.”
“Hmm.” Caleb looked around at them all. “All right. I want you to know that if you need someone to talk to, I’m here. Ultimately, the safety of everyone at the palace rests with me.”
“That must be stressful.”
“Not usually. Escana has always been a really safe place. What happened today . . . it shouldn’t have. And I’m sorry.” He shook his head, his jaw clenched. “The police are going to want to talk to you both. But I’m holding them back until you’ve been checked over.”
“Which she already should be,” Judd said in his usual blunt way.
Caleb shot a look at him.
“I think I’ll head to my suite now,” Chloe said smoothly. “I’m sure you have more important things to do than escort me around, Caleb. But thank you for meeting us here.”
“I . . . well . . .” He frowned. “I’ll walk with you. And I’m afraid I’ll need a recounting of what happened.”
“Of course,” she said. “Anything I can do to help. I’m at the palace’s disposal.”
“Right. His Lordship is waiting for you at the suite, I think,” Caleb told her.
“Wonderful. Lead on.”
She started to follow closely behind Caleb, but Owen grabbed the back of her clothing.
“I don’t think so, brat,” he said quietly so that Caleb didn’t hear him.
Hux moved up with Caleb, probably to give his report, but Judd stayed back with them.
“What?” She gave him a confused look.
“Uh-uh, don’t think you’re getting away with it this time,” Owen warned. “You disobeyed me back there. That deserves some punishment.”
“Damn straight it does,” Judd added. “You need to learn to listen.”
